A young man was sent to study at a university far away. His parents sacrificed a lot, got a loan from the bank, and sent him for higher studies. Like a ping-pong ball, he came back within a week, shattering the dreams of his parents. His reason was homesickness: he could not get familiar food, the faces of new friends were not familiar, the climate was harsh, and he felt lonely. In the Bible, some felt homesick, but overcame the vision of fulfilling God’s call and mandate.
Joseph, beloved son: As a beloved son of his father Jacob, who adorned him with multi-colour fabric, he faced hardships in his life journey. Envious brothers wanted to kill him, but sold him off, and he landed in Egypt, at the house of Potiphar.
God’s favor: Discipline, diligence, and hard work got him a place of prominence in the hierarchy of servants. Probably, Joseph considered Potiphar like his father. His stable and steady life got a sudden jolt.
Prison: Unsuccessful in seducing Joseph, she made a false allegation that landed Joseph in jail. He was a leader there, too, and also interpreted the dreams of two people. The chef of the Pharaoh was a prisoner. Joseph said to him that he would be restored to his previous job. Joseph pleaded with him to remember him, as a stolen (kidnapped) Hebrew, he wished to go back to his home. Homesickness afflicted him. (Genesis 40:13-15) Joseph was forgotten for two years.
Preserve lives: The Pharaoh’s dreams reminded the chef of Joseph. As summoned, Joseph appeared before Pharaoh and interpreted the dream. However, Joseph did not ask to return home, but took charge of gathering grains during the seven years of surplus and distributing them during the seven years of scarcity. He accepted a fourteen-year assignment, as he understood God’s purpose of preserving lives. (Genesis 41:37-45; 45:5) The two-year waiting period in prison helped Joseph to be healed of homesickness and prepared him to take up responsibility to fulfill the Will of God.
Am I homesick or ready to take up God’s assignments?